Sleepiness - Drowsiness

What are the treatments for the condition?

Specific treatment is directed at the cause. For instance, a person may need to get antibiotics for an infection or thyroid hormone pills for a low thyroid level. In other people, control of diabetes or other systemic disorders may be needed. A person with depression often needs medications to treat the condition. Those with cancer may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medications and surgeries have possible side effects. For instance, antibiotics may cause allergic reactions and stomach upset. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the drowsiness goes away, a person may or may not need further treatment. For instance, those with kidney failure need further treatment even if their drowsiness goes away. Those who were "overdoing it" or not getting enough sleep may need no further treatment once they get some rest. Those with serious diseases, such as end-stage cancer, may die if treatment is unsuccessful.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. The cause of drowsiness may or may not need monitoring. For instance, those with anemia need repeat CBC blood tests to make sure the blood count returns to normal.